Sleepover bag

ABSTRACT

Multiple embodiments of a sleepover bag that includes a sleeping-bag-and-liner combination are disclosed. The disclosed combinations include a detachable liner, having an extension part acting as a pillowcase, adapted to be used along with the sleeping bag to protect the sleeping bag and the pillow and for ease of transportation. The disclosed sleeping bags have at least one window, by opening and closing of which a user can control the inside temperature of the sleeping bags. In some embodiments the sleeping bags may have an integrated pillow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/457,676, filed on May 9, 2011 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/629,630, filed on Nov. 22, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate in general to bedding articles, and inparticular, to a sleepover bag.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are mostly two varieties of sleeping bags in themarket: a rectangular shape and a mummy shape. They are basically largesacks, made of thermally insulating material, in which a person sleeps.The insulating material serves both as a soft mattress and cover andalso as a thermal barrier in cold weather. One of the problems withthese sleeping bags is that they are hard to wash and also to dry,because of their size and their insulating content material. In turn, afurther problem caused by washing these sleeping bags is displacingtheir thermal material, which makes the sleeping bags uneven anduncomfortable and degrades their insulating properties. Another problemwith the available sleeping bags is the inability of the users tocontrol the inside temperature of their sleeping bags. Yet anotherproblem with the available sleeping bags and liners is that they havemade no provisions for the inclusion of a pillow as an integral part ofthe sleeping set.

The need for a complete and integrated set is more evident when childrenare sent to their friends' abodes for sleepover. An integrated set makesit easier for children to carry their sleeping gear, lowers thepossibility of losing any of their sleeping articles, and makes iteasier for the parents to clean their gear for a subsequent use.

The problem of keeping sleeping bags clean has been partially solved byproviding detachable liners that can be removed from the sleeping bagsand separately washed.

None of the available sleeping bags and/or liners has addressed theproblems associated with carrying a pillow or covering a pillow forcleanliness and/or controlling the inside temperature of the sleepingbags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and otherfeatures of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlyseveral embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and, therefore,are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will bedescribed with additional specificity and detail through use of theaccompanying drawings. Various embodiments will be described referencingthe accompanying drawings in which like references denote similarelements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example sleepover bag set including a sleeping bag and aliner with an integrated pocket for a pillow.

FIG. 2 shows an example liner included in the sleepover bag with anextension that may be used as a pillowcase.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example sleeping bag included in the sleepover bagwith windows for controlling inside temperature of the sleeping bag.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example sleeping bag included in the sleepover bagwith windows for controlling inside temperature of the sleeping bag andan integral pillow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down,back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used tofacilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict theapplication of disclosed embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, maybe used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended assynonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalcontact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elementsare in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean thattwo or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yetstill cooperate or interact with each other via one or more intermediateelements or components.

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or inthe form “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes ofthe description, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C”means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B” means(B) or (AB), that is, A is an optional element.

The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” whichmay each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and thelike, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous.

The existing sleeping bags and liners are customarily sold separatelyand users need to shop for liners that fit their sleeping bags and/orhave appropriate fasteners in proper locations to be able to fasten anduse the liners with their sleeping bags. In addition to the sleepingbags and the liners, users need to also carry pillows and pillowcases. Apillow which is not attached, in some manner, to the liner and/or thesleeping bag tends to be pushed away from the user, which itself isunsanitary and uncomfortable, especially if one is sleeping on dirtycamp grounds. This also adds to the number of articles that needs to bewashed and dried after each use.

The problems with separate and unattached bedding articles are moreprevalent when users are children. Children more tend to lose theirbelonging and more frequently soil their bedding and clothing articles.Particularly, when children are sent to sleep over at their friends', itis desirable to send them with a single bag containing all their beddingneeds and to wash and dry a single liner after they come back. It isalso desirable for their sleeping bags to have provisions forcontrolling the inside temperature.

Generally stated, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to acombination of a sleeping bag, which includes at least one openablewindow, and a liner, which can enclose a pillow within it and act bothas a sheet for the sleeping bag and a pillowcase for the pillow. In someembodiments this liner can be attached to the sleeping bag, at one ormore points, by any kind of fastener.

FIG. 1 shows an example sleepover bag set 100, which includes a sleepingbag 101 and a liner 104, and where the liner 104 has an extension forcovering and/or enclosing a pillow 105. In this exemplary embodiment thesleeping bag 101 has two windows 102 which are openable and closeable byzippers, buttons, snap fasteners, or Velcro 103 to control the insidetemperature of the sleeping bag 101.

The shape, number, location, size and the means for opening and closingthe windows 102 may vary and may depend on practical considerations, andalso on business and manufacturing decisions. Zipper 106 is customarilyfor complete opening and closing of the sleeping bag 101 and is alsooptional. The general shape of the sleeping bag 101 also depends onbusiness and manufacturing decisions. Sleeping bag 101 may berectangular-shape, mummy-shape, or have any other desirable geometricshape.

In some embodiments, liner 104 has a pocket-shape and in otherembodiments it may be a flat sheet. Liner 104 acts as a protective layerbetween the user and at least a part of the sleeping bag 101 and has anextension for enclosing and containing a pillow 105. In otherembodiments Liner 104 has an overlap extension which protects an edge ofthe sleeping bag 101 from getting soiled by coming in contact withuser's face and mouth. Liner 104 may either be slipped into the sleepingbag 101 from opening 107 or placed into the sleeping bag 101 by openingzipper 106.

Sleepover bag 100, along with a pillow, can be closed in a folded orrolled configuration by any known means to form a single bag containingall bedding requirements of a user. For example, straps, rubber bands,or a fabric case may be used to hold sleepover bag 100 in the closedposition.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

FIG. 2 shows an example liner 200, which is included in the sleepoverbag 100, with an extension part 203. A portion or the entire extensionpart 203 may be formed into a pillowcase 205, for example by foldingextension 203 on itself and sewing it along seam line 204. A pillow maybe inserted into pillowcase 205 through a sample opening 206 which maybe closeable in some embodiments. In other embodiments, pillowcase 205can be formed, for example, by sewing different sides of the foldedportion or by sewing a separate piece of fabric or even a completepillowcase onto the extension part 203. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, extension part 203 is long enough for the pillowcase 205 to befurther folded so that the user can slip her hand under her pillowand/or put another pillow under her original pillow.

In some embodiments, liner 200 is a pocket of any geometric shape and ispermanently closed from all sides 201. In other embodiments liner 200has means such as a zipper, buttons, snap fasteners or Velcro on one ormore sides 201 to form an openable and closeable pocket or semi-pocket.In yet another embodiment, liner 200 is a flat sheet, with pillowextension, and acts as a protective layer between the user and at leasta part of the sleeping bag 101. In some embodiment liner 200 has meanssuch as Velcro, zipper, snap fasteners, or buttons to be fastened tosleeping bag 101 at one or multiple desired points.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, liner 200 has an additional extension part202 which can lie over and protect an edge of the sleeping bag 101 fromgetting soiled by coming in contact with user's face and mouth whilesleeping in opening 207.

The detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in thisdisclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the inventionand the invention can be practiced in many ways, as those skilled in therelevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can also beapplied to other systems, not necessarily the system described herein.The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can becombined to provide further embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sleeping bag 300, which isincluded in the sleepover bag 100, with two windows 102 for controllinginside temperature of the sleeping bag 101. The general shape of thesleeping bag 101 depends on business and manufacturing decisions. It maybe rectangular, mummy-shape, or have any other desirable geometricshape. The shape, number, location and the means for opening and closingthe windows 102 depend on business and manufacturing decisions. Inembodiment 300, windows 102 are openable, closeable, or even totallyremovable, using zippers 103 or other appropriate means such as Velcro.

In some embodiments, such as embodiment 300, behind one or more windows102 a mosquito-net 301 or any other kind of thin fabric or netting maybe attached. These nets 301 may themselves be openable and closeable oreven totally removable by such means as zipper, buttons, snap fasteners,Velcro, etc.

In yet other embodiments, different parts of sleeping bag 101 may bemanufactured from or contain different materials with different physicalattributes and geometric dimensions. For example, the underside surfaceof sleeping bag 101 which faces the ground may be made of a heavier anda more moisture resistant material and/or be filled with such materialsor dimensioned such that it is better suited for a mattress. On theother hand, the top surface, opposite the underside surface, coveringthe user may be made of and filled with such materials that are bettersuited for a comforter. The customarily provided zipper 106, for openingand closing the sleeping bag 101, is optional in any embodiment.

As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certainfeatures or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply thatthe terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to anyspecific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention withwhich that terminology is associated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sleeping bag 400, which isincluded in the sleepover bag 100, with two windows 402 for controllinginside temperature of the sleeping bag 401 and with at least oneintegral pillow 404. The general shape of the sleeping bag 401 dependson business and manufacturing decisions. It may be rectangular,mummy-shape, or have any other desirable geometric shape. The shape,number, location and the means for opening and closing the windows 402also depend on business and manufacturing decisions. In embodiment 400,windows 402 are openable, closeable, or even totally removable, usingzippers 403 or other appropriate means such as Velcro. In someembodiments, the integral pillow 404 can be formed, for example, bystuffing more insulation material inside the upper part of the sleepingbag 401. In another embodiment the integral pillow 404 is an inflatablepillow installed within the sleeping bag 401 such that a user caninflate it by blowing through an assigned inlet/outlet valve. Aninflatable pillow 404 may be deflated for ease of packing the sleepoverbag 100. In FIG. 4, the width of pillow 404 is depicted as wide as thewidth of the lower side of sleeping bag 401; however, in differentembodiments the width of the pillow 404 may be less or more than thewidth of the lower side of sleeping bag 401.

In some embodiments of the sleeping bag 101 and/or 401, the part betweenthe user and the ground may have an inflatable construction and beinflated by the user during usage and deflated for packing ease. Inother embodiments of the sleeping bag 101 and/or 401, both sides of thesleeping bags may have inflatable construction and be inflated by theuser during usage and deflated for packing the sleeping bags. Suchinflatable sides on the top and/or bottom of the sleeping bag, ineffect, may form a sleeping mat under the user for comfort and alsoprovide a further air-layer as insulation to keep the user warm.

In some embodiments of the sleeping bag, there are provisions forconnecting ropes to the sleeping bag and using it as a hammock. In oneembodiment at least four metal rings are affixed to the four corners ofthe sleeping bag to be able to use it as a hammock. In anotherembodiment a rigid member, such as an aluminum rod, may be removablyattached to two opposite edges of the sleeping bag, extending from onecorner to the other, to keep the two metal rings from coming togetherwhile being used as a hammock.

All of the above patents and applications and other references,including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, areincorporated herein by reference.

Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description usingthe singular or plural number may also include the plural or singularnumber respectively.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not beconstrued to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosedin the specification, unless the above Detailed Description sectionexplicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorsreserve the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theinvention. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list.

1. A sleeping bag, comprising: at least one openable, closeable, ordetachable window for controlling the inside temperature of the sleepingbag.
 2. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one window isopenable and closeable via a zipper, Velcro, buttons, snap fastener, ora combination thereof.
 3. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein under atleast one window there is a fixed, an openable, or a detachable thinfabric or netting.
 4. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the sleepingbag has a rectangular shape, a mummy shape, or any other geometric shapeand size and wherein the sleeping bag has provisions for attaching ropesto its edges and using the sleeping bag as a hammock.
 5. The sleepingbag of claim 1, wherein one of two sides of the sleeping bag isconfigured to perform as a mattress and the other side is configured toperform as a comforter and whereas the mattress side may be inflatable.6. A sleeping bag liner, the liner comprising: an extension part, atleast a portion of which is configured to enclose a pillow.
 7. The linerof claim 6, wherein the liner forms a permanent pocket, open on one sideor a semi-pocket, open on more than one side.
 8. The liner of claim 6,wherein the liner is a flat sheet.
 9. The liner of claim 6, wherein theliner is attachable to the sleeping bag from at least one location. 10.The liner of claim 6, wherein the liner extension part has at least oneintegrated permanent enclosure in which at least one pillow may beplaced, is long enough to be folded and enclose at least one pillow, orboth.
 11. The liner of claim 6, wherein the liner has an additionalextension part to be folded over an edge of the sleeping bag to protectthe edge from being soiled by a user's face and mouth.
 12. A sleepoverbag, comprising: a sleeping bag with at least one openable, closeable,or detachable window configured to control the inside temperature of thesleeping bag; and a sleeping bag liner with an extension part, whereinat least a portion of the extension part is configured to enclose apillow for ease of transportation and hygiene.
 13. The sleepover bag ofclaim 12, wherein the at least one window of the sleeping bag isopenable and closeable via a zipper, Velcro, buttons, or a combinationthereof and wherein the sleeping bag has a rectangular shape, a mummyshape, or any other geometric shape and size.
 14. The sleepover bag ofclaim 12, wherein behind at least one window of the sleeping bag thereis a fixed, an openable, or a detachable thin fabric or netting.
 15. Thesleepover bag of claim 12, wherein one of two sides of the sleeping bagis configured to perform as a mattress and the other side is configuredto perform as a comforter.
 16. The sleepover bag of claim 12, whereinthe liner is a flat sheet, a permanent pocket, or a flat sheetconfigured to be folded and form a semi-pocket.
 17. The sleepover bag ofclaim 12, wherein the liner is attachable to the sleeping bag from atleast one location.
 18. The sleepover bag of claim 12, wherein the linerextension part has at least one integrated permanent enclosure in whichat least one pillow may be placed, is long enough to be folded andenclose at least one pillow, or both.
 19. The sleepover bag of claim 12,wherein the liner has an additional extension part to be folded over anedge of the sleeping bag to protect the edge from being soiled by auser's face and mouth.
 20. A sleeping bag, comprising: at least oneopenable, closeable, or detachable window for controlling the insidetemperature of the sleeping bag, and an integral pillow.
 21. Thesleeping bag of claim 20, wherein under at least one window there is afixed, an openable, or a detachable thin fabric or netting.
 22. Thesleeping bag of claim 20, wherein the pillow or at least one side of thesleeping bag is inflatable or both pillow and at least one side of thesleeping bag are inflatable.